Style Evolution: Spike Lee

Young Spike, a year after he graduated from Morehouse College. No facial hair, no Knickerbocker paraphernalia, same I-don't-put-up-with-bullshit grimace. He knew then, well before he'd make the film, how iconic the "X" hat was.

Photo: Getty Images

Fast-forward a bit to Speezy on the set of the Fight the Power music video shoot. Acid-wash denim, Knicks snapback, Flava-flav before VH1 spoiled him. Spike's hand was in bunch of different projects at this time. A little film called Do the Right Thing was one. That killer 40 Acres & A Mule letterman jacket he's wearing was another.

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Spizike's sneaker game has always been unparalleled. Here he's rocking a pair of Nike Air Raids, loosely laced. The hand gesture, a little more tight. Ya dig?

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Spike still holding on to a more casual look—backpack, jorts, plastic watch. The Air Mas are noteworthy. Almost as noteworthy as...

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His style when he collided all his worlds together. A little more dressed up, rocking more blazers and sport shirts. But still rooted in fanaticism, in hip-hop, in Brooklyn.

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We wouldn't ask Spike to apologize for an offensive scene in one of his films, so it doesn't seem right to ask him to apologize for this shirt. But still, shhhhiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt.

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And then Spike found the sweet spot. The formula. Feet, wild shoes or sneakers. Pants and shirt, mildly conservative. Jacket, frames, and optional hat... contrarian.

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Bow tie or regular tie are both acceptable options when attending a black-tie event. No-tie is not, however—unless you made She's Gotta Have It. Then, a necklace and a smirk will serve you just fine.

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The man to Spike's left came straight from the office to the game—and so did Spike. You're just as likely to catch him walking the streets of Brooklyn in a Knicks jersey as sitting sideline, yelling at the refs.

Young Spike, a year after he graduated from Morehouse College. No facial hair, no Knickerbocker paraphernalia, same I-don't-put-up-with-bullshit grimace. He knew then, well before he'd make the film, how iconic the "X" hat was.